The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology
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Tissue expansion is a concept based on the skin's natural ability to stretch in response to an underlying force. ⋯ Many soft tissue changes occur during tissue expansion. Most of these changes return to the pre-expansion state over time following discontinuation of the expansion process.
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J Dermatol Surg Oncol · Dec 1993
Historical ArticleA history of tissue expansion. Concepts, controversies, and complications.
Tissue expansion has become a widely used adjunct in reconstruction of the skin. ⋯ Tissue expansion is becoming widely used and accepted and its continued use under many circumstances is justified by the experimental and clinical results.
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J Dermatol Surg Oncol · Dec 1993
Comparative StudyComparison of skin hooks and Foley catheters for immediate tissue expansion.
Immediate tissue expansion has been reported to expand skin sufficiently to permit primary closure of large facial defects up to 5 cm in diameter. ⋯ These findings support the concept that immediate tissue expansion is a separate and distinct process from undermining, which provides additional tissue for reconstructive surgery.
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Tissue expansion is of value in the repair of some defects produced by Mohs micrographic surgery. In particular, defects of the nose, forehead, temple and scalp as well as extensive defects in other areas may require expansion. ⋯ Intraoperative and rapid expansion are useful adjuncts to other repair options. Complications of expansion are frequent and must be anticipated.